Rafael Benitez has delivered a withering riposte to his critics and dismissed Jurgen Klinsmann's managerial record, after the German attacked his tenure as Reds boss.

The former Germany international slammed Benitez's record as Liverpool manager
and the quality of the current squad. Klinsmann took Germany to the semi-finals of their home World Cup in 2006, but his stint in charge of Bayern Munich lasted less than a season before he was sacked.

Speaking about Klinsmann's attack, Benitez said: ''I think he was an expert in
marketing. His management career? Short.''

Klinsmann was at the centre of a storm two years ago when he was involved in
talks with Liverpool's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over the
Anfield hot seat.

Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness also warned of a potential ''meltdown''
at the club this week but Benitez said today: ''There is always criticism but I
don't listen. I turn off the volume on the TV.''

He added sarcastically: ''Both have fantastic records as managers, so the fans
ignore what they say. We have to win, we have a responsibility and we must concentrate on our job. If someone talks too much, it is their problem, but the fans know the record
they both have as managers, fantastic.''